Midfield star Elliot Yeo believes the frustration and disappointment of watching on as finals were played in West Coast’s backyard can drive the playing group forward.
Speaking after a visit to co-major sponsor Hungry Jack’s store in Cannington, the 2018 premiership Eagle admitted he found it difficult being an onlooker during the season’s climax.
“It’s tough. It’s frustrating. It’s a variety of different things but in the end we just need to get better,” Yeo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“We know we’ve got the talent and the personnel to play finals football and, to not be able to execute that this year, it definitely hurts that bit more and makes you that little bit hungrier to succeed next year and the subsequent years as well.
“I’m sure the fans are probably feeling the same thing that we are – we don’t go out there to lose games of football, that’s for sure.”
After a long stint on the sidelines battling osteitis pubis, two-time club champion Yeo strung 12 games together in the back half of the campaign and showed he still has plenty of powerful performances ahead.
A 31-disposal, 14-clearance effort against eventual premier Melbourne in round 21, followed by 30 touches and five clearances in the final round clash with Brisbane, was evidence Yeo was near his best as the season came to a close.
Coming into his ninth season at West Coast, the 27-year-old is keen for a big summer on the training track with fresh faces in the assistant coaching ranks following the additions of Jarrad Schofield and Matthew Knights.
“I’m looking forward to working with them. A bit of fresh air as well, different perspectives,” Yeo said.
“Looking forward to that and getting around the players and getting better, really.”
Taking time out from his off-season break, Yeo joined WAFL Eagles captain Hamish Brayshaw and Perth co-captain and former Eagles big man Fraser McInnes for a store visit by players from three teams sponsored by Hungry Jack’s.
“It was a good night in the end. We had a fair few fans pop down – a lot more than I expected – and there was good banter with ‘Frase’ and ‘Hammer’,” Yeo said.
“It was a lot of fun. The staff seemed like they enjoyed it, the fans had a really good time.
“Speaking on behalf of myself, but all three of us definitely had a fun time down there and it was good to mingle and help out one of our sponsors.”